V. Sridhar, Additional Chief Electoral Officer, Archana Patnaik, Chief Electoral Officer, and A. Sivagnanam, Additional Chief Election Officer, during a press conference held in Chennai on Monday
| Photo Credit: S.R. Raghunathan
Over 4,200 teams, including 2,106 flying squads and as many static surveillance teams, have been deployed across Tamil Nadu to monitor suspicious movement of cash and goods, with the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) having come into force in connection with the April 23 State Assembly polls.
Addressing journalists at the Secretariat in Chennai on Monday (March 16, 2026), Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Archana Patnaik said even digital transactions would be monitored, and meetings have been held with 23 enforcement agencies in this regard. Since the MCC came into force on Sunday (March 15) evening, [unaccounted] cash and goods valued at ₹1.26 crore have been seized by surveillance officials.
Cash limit
As for some of the issues raised by traders regarding the movement of money during the MCC period and an appeal to increase the limit for carrying cash, Ms. Patnaik said the existing rules would continue. “If they have documents, any amount is allowed. But they should have proper documents and produce [them].” Asked for specific documents that were required to be produced, she said they should show from where the cash was withdrawn/the source of the cash.
Appealing to the electors to check their names and numbers in their respective polling stations, the CEO said it was “better to check and keep [them] ready.” Booth level officers (BLOs) have been instructed to help the electors in this regard. Those intending to include their names in the electoral rolls could do so till March 26. Since the publication of the final electoral rolls, about 3.14 lakh people have applied for inclusion in the electoral rolls, she said.
Replying to a query, she said that nominations could be filed between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. from March 30 until the last date of filing nominations on April 6, except March 31, April 3, and April 5.
AI videos
As part of surveillance, AI-generated videos on social media would also be monitored, the CEO said. Replying to a query on the permission for public meetings, Ms. Patnaik said parties should apply for such meetings on the Suvidha portal and they would be considered on a first-come-first-serve basis.
About 3 lakh personnel were being trained for the April 23 election, and 50 companies of paramilitary personnel have reported for duty in Tamil Nadu, with more to follow. Election observers would be deployed after the notification for the election is issued on March 30.
Published – March 16, 2026 03:49 pm IST
